R. Rask et Pk. Jensen, PRECISION OF ULTRASONIC ESTIMATES OF CHOROIDAL MELANOMA REGRESSION, Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology, 233(12), 1995, pp. 777-782
Background: Important prognostic information may be gained from knowle
dge of the volume and, over time, the change in volume of intraocular
tumours such as choroidal melanomas. Methods: The precision and time c
onsumption of three different ultrasonographic methods were evaluated.
Seven choroidal melanomas were analysed after placement of a rutheniu
m plaque and again after tumour regression had occurred. Perpendicular
ultrasound B-scans were printed and analysed by overlay grid counting
or outline tracing of tumour structures to calculate the volume. Thes
e two methods, using only two perpendicular scans, were compared with
a micro-computer-controlled ultrasonographic three-dimensional rotatio
n scanning system, where each tumour was manually outlined in 20 revol
ving scan planes. Results: The three-dimensional volume scanning metho
d was the most precise, but also the most demanding in hardware and ti
me consumption. Conclusion: Increased precision and less observer-depe
ndent estimation of shrinkage rate after radiotherapy is available at
the cost of sophisticated equipment.